To answer the original posters question, we are a Republic fueled by Capitolism. We are not obligated to "save" any kind of private enterprise. The false notion of the opposite is how our nation got into the financial mess we face today!

Businesses live or die on their own financial merit. The local stores will stay solvent by keeping smaller numerous items in stock that are repeatedly needed by hams on a daily basis, in addition to some big ticket items. That, along with providing good advise and service, will ensure a constant flow of purchasers.

To these comments I would add a final thought for our financial recovery. Buy American!

Sounds to me like the current business model for ham radio stores is a very active internet presence and a minimal "brick & mortar" store for accessories. No showroom, no display radios (you're not going to buy here and pay taxes). If you want to try a radio, buy it, and we'll take it out of the box for you. If you don't like it there is a 15% restocking fee and your money is refunded.

I don't know the answer, without changing the laws, in this current enlightened society where price shopping on the internet is prevalent. It sounds to me like before long it you want to buy something there is will be no way to physically see it first, order it and pray.

I know the solution but NO-ONE wants it, me included, a national sales tax on all purchases. End of problem, no matter where you buy it you pay sales tax. As long as the FED gets nothing, it all goes to the states.

15 or 20 years ago I would pay the state tax because the local dealer would honor the warranty. They would either repair or replace the rig on site. Now when you get a bad rig you have to deal with the manufacturer. Not worth it to pay the tax on the item in that case. Sales tax on a 5K rig is pretty steep. I take the best deal online.

I lived in New Hampshire for many years, where there is no sales tax, but they make it up in real estate and personal property taxes. In Virginia, we have reasonably low real estate / personal property taxes and a 5% sales tax. Add it all up, and it comes to about the same thing.

I agree with KA5IPF, Clif, that a flat national sales tax is really the only fair tax and it doesn't have to be high either.

Well let's see...to pay the tax or not pay the tax ... that is the question...wether it is nobler to pay the tax and support your local economy and local ham supplier or keep your hard earned dollars in your pocket, I would keep the money in my pocket. Considering that this Country was founded on the notion of taxes are a bad thing, I really don't know why you would even ask this question. As the commercial says it's your money... not the Government's so KEEP THE MONEY

You could also if feeling guilty for saving $500, spend it on some more goodies.

I would think if you bought a radio online and saved the sales tax you would owe the use tax from a legal standpoint. But that is more of a moral or ethical issue. I suspect at least 95% of people would choose not to pay the use tax.

In Massachusetts we had a few nice Ham Radio stores but most customers in Massachusetts did their window shopping in Massachusetts and spent their money in tax free New Hampshire. So now we do our window shopping in New Hampshire since there are no Ham Radio stores in Massachusetts.

I got back into ham radio because of a local store. I'll never forgive them!

Seriously though. Mix it up. Big ticket items don't have the same margin as the small stuff. Buy the big stuff online, but get the coax, DC cable, and some other accessories at the local store. After all, I'm sure you forgot something when you were setting up the shack.

And BTW, most states have an online sales tax form that you are supposed to fill out (and pay) when you do your state income taxes.

I'll agree. If the State has not kept up with the technology and has threatened the livelihood of the brick and mortar stores, it would seem that the citizens should vote out the money grabbers and vote in some new blood that will be resposive.

I feel their pain (brick and mortar stores), but it's the fault of their elected officials. If those officials are slow on the uptake or thieves, then vote them out. Be the change that the politicians only talk about.

« Last Edit: January 25, 2012, 04:45:22 PM by WB4LCN »

Logged

First, make it work, then make it pretty.Yaesu Rigs: Kenwood TS-480HX, FT-8900R, FTM-350AR (Bluetooth motorcycle mobile), VX-8DR, SB-102 boat anchor (built one as a kid)

So the Southern California Ham has multiple choices. Some close, some a drive and depending on your lifestyle, all reachable.

Umm, Sunnyvale & Oakland are over 400 miles from So. California.

I do feel a little guilty of this, a group of us caught HK0NA on 12 meters yesterday (and also QSO'd them) at HRO, though one of the sales clerks also joined in on the QSO. But, most of the time I buy something when I'm there. I would have bought a torroid there, if they had them.

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